Device for displaying image on apparel

ABSTRACT

An image displaying device includes a background layer and a display layer. The display layer includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is substantially smooth, and the outer surface includes a plurality of raised areas and recessed areas. The display layer has a first zone with a first thickness measured between the inner surface and a raised area and a second zone with a second thickness measured between the inner surface and a recessed area. The display layer also includes a coloring agent having a higher concentration in the first zone as compared to the second zone. The display layer has increased light transmissivity through the recessed areas and decreased light transmissivity through the raised areas such that a contrast of light transmissivity between the raised and recessed areas generates an image.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of co-pending application No.12/779,389 filed May 13, 2010, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to device for displaying an image and,more particularly, relates to a device for displaying an image onapparel.

BACKGROUND

Many objects include certain features that improve the aesthetics of theobject and make the object more fashionable and unique. For instance,articles of footwear, such as shoes, boots, sandals, and the like caninclude various color coordinated portions, designs, decals, ornamentalstitching, and the like.

However, these features may be only two dimensional, and/or the featuresmay not include a high degree of detail. This may be because ofmanufacturing constraints, cost, and the like. As such, the features maylack some visual and/or tactile appeal.

Furthermore, lithophanes are devices made out of a rigid material havinga thickness that varies across its width and length. The variations inthickness correspond to a predetermined image, and when the lithophaneis backlit, the image appears. This image can have a high degree ofdetail.

However, it may be difficult or impractical for incorporating alithophane into certain objects. For instance, backlighting thelithophane may be problematic for certain objects, such as articles offootwear, because there is relatively little space to include a lightsource. Also, since the lithophane is typically rigid, it may bedifficult to incorporate the lithophane in a flexible object. Moreover,in order for the image to be highly detailed, the lithophane itselfshould be highly detailed, and as such, manufacturing such an objectwith a lithophane can be inefficient and expensive.

SUMMARY

An image displaying device is disclosed. The image display deviceincludes a background layer that is substantially opaque. The imagedisplay device also includes a display layer that is semi-transparent.The display layer includes an inner surface facing the background layer.The display layer further includes an outer surface facing away from thebackground layer. The inner surface is substantially smooth, and theouter surface includes a plurality of raised areas and a plurality ofrecessed areas that are arranged in predetermined positionscorresponding to an image. The display layer has a first zone with afirst thickness measured between the inner surface and one of theplurality of raised areas. The display layer also has a second zone witha second thickness measured between the inner surface and one of theplurality of recessed areas. The display layer also includes a coloringagent having a higher concentration in the first zone as compared to thesecond zone. The display layer has increased light transmissivitythrough the recessed areas and decreased light transmissivity throughthe raised areas such that a contrast of light transmissivity betweenthe raised and recessed areas generates the image.

A method of displaying an image is also disclosed. The method includesgenerating an image in a semi-transparent display layer. The displaylayer includes an inner surface that is substantially smooth. Thedisplay layer further includes an outer surface including a plurality ofraised areas and a plurality of recessed areas that are arranged inpredetermined positions corresponding to the image. The display layerhas a first zone with a first thickness measured between the innersurface and one of the plurality of raised areas. The display layer alsohas a second zone with a second thickness measured between the innersurface and one of the plurality of recessed areas. The display layeralso includes a coloring agent, and the coloring agent has a higherconcentration in the first zone as compared to the second zone. Thedisplay layer has increased light transmissivity through the recessedareas and decreased light transmissivity through the raised areas suchthat a contrast of light transmissivity between the raised and recessedareas generates the image. The method further includes operativelysupporting the display layer on a substantially opaque background layersuch that the inner surface faces the background layer and the outersurface faces away from the background layer.

Moreover, an article of footwear is disclosed. The article of footwearincludes an upper with a flexible background layer that is substantiallyopaque. The article of footwear also includes a display layer that issemi-transparent and flexible. The display layer includes an innersurface facing the background layer. The display layer further includesan outer surface facing away from the background layer. The innersurface is substantially smooth, and the outer surface includes aplurality of raised areas and a plurality of recessed areas. The displaylayer has a first zone with a first thickness measured between the innersurface and one of the plurality of raised areas. The display layer alsohas a second zone with a second thickness measured between the innersurface and one of the plurality of recessed areas. The display layeralso includes a coloring agent, and the coloring agent has a higherconcentration in the first zone as compared to the second zone. Thedisplay layer has increased light transmissivity through the recessedareas and decreased light transmissivity through the raised areas suchthat a contrast of light transmissivity between the raised and recessedareas generates an image.

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an article offootwear according to various teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the article of footwear taken alongthe line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1shown during manufacture;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the article of footwear of FIG. 1shown during manufacture; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a process for making a mold formanufacturing the article of footwear of FIG. 1.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, an object 10 with an imagedisplaying device 11 is illustrated according to various exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the object 10 can be anarticle of footwear 12; however, it will be appreciated that the object10 can be of any suitable type, such as other apparel (e.g., hat, shirt,pants), accessories (e.g., pendant, headband), luggage, equipment, acase for a music player, etc. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the article offootwear 12 can be a shoe; however, it will be appreciated that thearticle of footwear 12 can be a boot, a sandal, slipper, or any othersuitable type of footwear 12.

The article of footwear 12 can include a sole assembly 16. The soleassembly 16 can include an outsole (not specifically shown) forproviding traction for the footwear 12. Also, the sole assembly 16 caninclude a midsole (not specifically shown) for providing cushionedsupport for the wearer of the footwear 12. Moreover, the article offootwear 12 can include an upper 14. The upper 14 can include aplurality of overlapping panels of material that define a cavity 20 forreceiving the wearer's foot. The upper 14 can be made out of anysuitable material, such as leather, nylon, etc. The upper 14 can alsoinclude laces, straps, pile tape, or other features for securing thewearer's foot inside the cavity 20 of the footwear 12.

As stated above, the article of footwear 12 can also include the imagedisplaying device 11. The image displaying device 11 can be disposed inany suitable location on the footwear 12, such as the upper 14. Morespecifically, in the embodiments represented in FIG. 1, the imagedisplaying device 11 can be disposed on a lateral side panel 13 of theupper 14; however, the image displaying device 11 could also be disposedon a tongue 15, strap, or any other suitable location on the upper 14.Also, in some embodiments, the image displaying device 11 can bedisposed on the sole assembly 16, for instance, on a sidewall of themidsole, on an exposed sidewall of a fluid-filled bladder, or on theoutsole of the sole assembly 16.

The image displaying device 11 can be similar to a lithophane; however,the image displaying device 11 can include several features that allowsan image 26 to be displayed without backlighting. Also, the imagedisplaying device 11 can be flexible such that the image displayingdevice 11 can be incorporated in a wider range of objects 10 thantraditional lithophanes. In addition, the image displaying device 11 canbe manufactured more efficiently than traditional lithophanes as will bediscussed in greater detail below.

Generally, the image displaying device 11 can include a background layer22 and a display layer 24 (FIG. 2). The display layer 24 can display theimage 26 as will be discussed in greater detail below. As shown, theimage 26 can be a three-dimensional image. Also, the image 26 can behighly detailed. For instance, the image 26 can be a photorealistic faceof a person, which includes hair and skin texture, musculature, and thelike, in some embodiments. However, it will be appreciated that theimage 26 can be of any object, design, logo, trademark, etc. withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure. The image 26 cansignificantly enhance the aesthetics of the footwear 12. Also, the imagedisplaying device 11 can be manufactured in a highly efficient,relatively low cost manner as will be discussed.

The background layer 22 can be made from any suitable material. Forinstance, the background layer 22 can be made from a flexible material,such as leather, nylon, etc. In some embodiments, the background layer22 can be located on or incorporated in the upper 14. For instance, thebackground layer 22 can form a portion of and can be integral to theupper 14. In other embodiments, the background layer 22 can overlap theupper 14 and can be removably coupled to the upper 14, for instance, bystitching, adhesives, and the like. As stated, the image displayingdevice 11 can be incorporated in any suitable object, such as apparelother than the footwear 12; thus, in these embodiments, the backgroundlayer 22 can be defined by the material of a T-shirt, the strap of apiece of baggage, etc.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the background layer 22 can include anouter surface 28 and an inner surface 30. The inner surface 30 can facethe cavity 20 of the footwear 12. The outer surface 28 can be oppositethe inner surface 30. Also, the outer surface 28 can also besubstantially smooth.

Moreover, the background layer 22 can be substantially opaque. Thus,light is less likely to pass through the background layer 22. It will beappreciated that the background layer 22 can be of any suitable color.

As stated above, the image displaying device 11 can include a displaylayer 24. The display layer 24 can be made out of any suitable material.For instance, the display layer 24 can be made out of a clear,semi-transparent, polymeric, flexible material, such as urethane. Also,in some embodiments, the display layer 24 can include a thermoplasticnon-woven material, such as those materials disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/367,274, filed Feb. 6, 2009, published Aug. 12,2010 as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0199406, and which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Moreover, in someembodiments, the display layer 24 can include a coloring agent 40 (FIG.2), such as a tinting agent or flecks of reflective material, that issuspended in a clear or otherwise semi-transparent matrix material. Thecoloring agent 40 can cause the display layer 24 to contrast with thecolor of the background layer 22 to make the image 26 even more visible.However, it will be appreciated that the coloring agent 40 is optional,and the display layer 24 can be clear and transparent without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 2, the display layer 24 can include an inner surface 32and an outer surface 34. The inner surface 32 can be substantiallysmooth and can face the background layer 22. The inner surface 32 can beoperatively supported on the outer surface 28 of the background layer22. In some embodiments, the inner surface 32 can directly abut and canbe fixed to the outer surface 28 of the background layer 22. The outersurface 34 can be opposite the inner surface 32.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the outer surface 28 can include aplurality of raised areas 36 and a plurality of recessed areas 38. Assuch, the display layer 24 can be thicker at the raised areas 36 and canbe thinner at the recessed areas 38. As will be discussed, the raisedareas 36 and the recessed areas 38 can be disposed at predeterminedpositions corresponding to the image 26.

Because the display layer 24 is semi-transparent, light can be travel atleast partially through the display layer 24. More specifically, thedisplay layer 24 can have increased light transmissivity through therecessed areas 38. Also, the display layer 24 can have decreased lighttransmissivity through the raised areas 36.

Thus, in the embodiments represented in FIG. 3, light can more readilytravel through the thickness of the display layer 24 at the recessedareas 38, and the light can be reflected from the background layer 22.As such, the color of the background layer 22 can show more easilythrough the display layer 24 at the recessed areas 38. If the backgroundlayer 22 is black, the light can be substantially absorbed such that theblack of the background layer 22 shows through the recessed areas 38.

Moreover, light can less readily travel through the thickness of thedisplay layer 24 at the raised areas 36, and the light is more likely tobe reflected from the display layer 24 without reaching the backgroundlayer 22. As such, the color of the background layer 22 is less likelyto show through the display layer 24 at the raised areas 36.

Accordingly, this contrast of light transmissivity between the raisedareas 36 and recessed areas 38 can generate the image 26. For instance,the higher the thickness of the display layer 24 at a particular raisedarea 36, the lighter that particular raised area 36 can appear, and thelower the thickness of the display layer 24 at a particular recessedarea 38, the darker that particular recessed area 38 can appear. Asshown in FIG. 2, the display layer 24 can have very smooth andcontinuous transitions in thickness between the raised and recessedareas 36, 38 and, as such, the image 26 can be highly detailed,photorealistic, and three-dimensional. Accordingly, the footwear 12 canbe more aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, because the outer surface34 is contoured, the display layer 24 can be pleasing to touch.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the coloring agent 40 can accumulate ata higher concentration in the raised areas 36 as compared to therecessed areas 38. If the coloring agent 40 is a tinting agent, thehigher concentrations can cause the raised areas 36 to appear darker incolor than the recessed areas 38. If the coloring agent 40 includesflecks of reflective material, the raised areas 36 can be morereflective than the recessed areas 38. This can be achieved usingvarious manufacturing techniques as will be discussed in greater detailbelow. As such, the image 26 can display a higher contrast between theraised areas 36 and the recessed areas 38 for even greater visibility.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, exemplary embodiments of methods ofmanufacturing the footwear 12 are illustrated. As shown in FIG. 5, themethod can include scanning an image 42 with a scanning device 44. Theimage 42 can be of any type, such as a photograph, a signature, a logo,or any other image 42, which the user desires to be the image 26 on thefootwear 12. The scanning device 44 can be operatively connected tosoftware, such as CAD/CAM software (e.g., DELCAM software commerciallyavailable from DelCam PLC of the United Kingdom). Thus, the scanningdevice 44 can electronically map each pixel of the image 42 and generatean electronic (e.g., digital) copy of the image 42.

Also, the scanning device 44 can be operatively connected to a moldmaking device 45 that can receive the electronic copy of the image 42and that can create a mold 46 (FIG. 3). The mold making device 45 caninclude a mill or other device for creating the mold 46. Morespecifically, the mold making device 45 can create a cavity 47 in themold 46 that corresponds to the raised areas 36 and recessed areas 38 ofthe display layer 24. The mold 46 can be made out of any suitablematerial, such as metal, polymer, etc.

As shown in FIG. 3, a blank 48 can be applied to the background layer28. As will be discussed, the display layer 24 can be formed by moldingthe blank 48. In some embodiments, the blank 48 can be a substantiallyrectangular, solid piece of material. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 3,the blank 48 can include the coloring agent 40, and the coloring agent40 can be substantially evenly dispersed in the blank 48.

Also, in some embodiments represented in FIG. 3, the blank 48 can belaid on top of the background layer 28 without being affixed to thebackground layer 28; however, the blank 48 can be attached to thebackground layer 28 without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure. This can occur either before or after the background layer28 is coupled to the other portions of the footwear 12. Also, the blank48 can be at room temperature when positioned on the background layer28.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the mold 46 can be pressed against the blank48 and the background layer 22 such that the mold 46 deforms the blank48 and causes the blank 48 to substantially fill the cavity 47 (i.e.,compression molding). In some embodiments, the mold 46 can be heatedabove room temperature before being pressed against the blank 48 andbackground layer 22, and the elevated heat and pressure from the mold 46can cause the blank 48 to deform to the shape of the cavity 47. It willbe appreciated that the heat of the mold 46, the pressure applied by themold 46, and other manufacturing variables can be adjusted according tothe individual displaying device 11 being manufactured.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the heat and pressure from the mold 46can move the coloring agent 40 within the blank 48. For instance, insome embodiments, the heat and pressure from the mold 46 can cause thecoloring agent 40 to concentrate in the raised areas 36. As such, thecoloring agent 40 can be at a higher concentration in the raised areas36 as compared to the recessed areas 38. Accordingly, the differentconcentrations of the coloring agent 40 can cause the raised areas 36 tobe further contrasted from the recessed areas 38.

After being deformed by the mold 46, the blank 48 can be cured (e.g.,via cooling, UV curing, etc.) to re-solidify and form the display layer24. Curing can also cause the display layer 24 to fully adhere to andbecome fixed to the background layer 22, and the mold 46 can bewithdrawn. As such, the display layer 24 (and the image 26) can becreated at substantially the same time as the display layer 24 is fixedto the background layer 22. Accordingly, manufacturing the footwear 12can be very efficient with a high-throughput.

In other embodiments, the mold 46 can be pressed against the backgroundlayer 22, and then the cavity 47 can be filled with material, which isthen cured within the cavity 47 to form the display layer 24 and to fixthe display layer 24 to the background layer 22. Moreover, in someembodiments, the cavity 47 of the mold 46 is filled with material, thebackground layer 22 is laid over the cavity 47, and the material in themold 46 is cured within the cavity 47 to form the display layer 24 andto fix the display layer 24 to the background layer 22.

In still other embodiments, the display layer 24 can be molded or castseparate from the background layer 22, and then the formed display layer24 can be subsequently fixed to the background layer 22.

Thus, the footwear 12 can be very aesthetically pleasing because of thehighly detailed and unique image 26 displayed by the image displayingdevice 11. The image displaying device 11 can also provide a uniquetactile quality for the footwear 12. Furthermore, the image displayingdevice 11 can be manufactured in a highly efficient manner.

Moreover, the footwear 12 can be customized to include a customizedimage 26. For instance, the image displaying device 11 can be an optionfor users in a customization process. More specifically, the user cancustomize the footwear 12 by transmitting a desired image 42 to amanufacturer of the footwear 12. The manufacturer can then make theelectronic copy of the image 42 that is used to make the mold 46, andthen the image displaying device 11 can be formed as discussed above andincluded on the footwear 12. For instance, this type of system can beincorporated in the NIKEID™ system offered by Nike, Inc. of Beaverton,Oreg. In other embodiments, the image display device 11 can be formedand/or attached to the footwear 10 in a retail setting in a relativelyshort period of time.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features ofa particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image displaying device comprising: abackground layer that is substantially opaque; and a display layer thatis semi-transparent, the display layer including an inner surface facingthe background layer, the display layer further including an outersurface facing away from the background layer, the inner surface beingsubstantially smooth, the outer surface including a plurality of raisedareas and a plurality of recessed areas that are arranged inpredetermined positions corresponding to an image, the display layerhaving a first zone with a first thickness measured between the innersurface and one of the plurality of raised areas, the display layer alsohaving a second zone with a second thickness measured between the innersurface and one of the plurality of recessed areas, the display layeralso including a coloring agent, the coloring agent having a higherconcentration in the first zone as compared to the second zone, thedisplay layer having increased light transmissivity through the recessedareas and decreased light transmissivity through the raised areas suchthat a contrast of light transmissivity between the raised and recessedareas generates the image.
 2. The image displaying device of claim 1,wherein the display layer and the background layer are flexible.
 3. Theimage displaying device of claim 1, wherein the display layer is atleast partially polymeric.
 4. The image displaying device of claim 3,wherein the display layer includes a urethane material.
 5. The imagedisplaying device of claim 1, wherein the coloring agent is a tintingagent.
 6. The image displaying device of claim 1, wherein the coloringagent includes a plurality of flecks of reflective material.
 7. Theimage displaying device of claim 1, wherein the inner surface directlyabuts the background layer.
 8. The image displaying device of claim 7,wherein the background layer includes an outer surface against which theinner surface of the display layer abuts, and wherein the outer surfaceof the background layer is substantially smooth.
 9. The image displayingdevice of claim 1, wherein the display layer includes a semi-transparentmatrix material, and the coloring agent is suspended in thesemi-transparent matrix material.
 10. A method of displaying an imagecomprising: generating an image in a semi-transparent display layer, thedisplay layer including an inner surface that is substantially smooth,the display layer further including an outer surface including aplurality of raised areas and a plurality of recessed areas that arearranged in predetermined positions corresponding to the image, thedisplay layer having a first zone with a first thickness measuredbetween the inner surface and one of the plurality of raised areas, thedisplay layer also having a second zone with a second thickness measuredbetween the inner surface and one of the plurality of recessed areas,the display layer also including a coloring agent, the coloring agenthaving a higher concentration in the first zone as compared to thesecond zone, the display layer having increased light transmissivitythrough the recessed areas and decreased light transmissivity throughthe raised areas such that a contrast of light transmissivity betweenthe raised and recessed areas generates the image; and operativelysupporting the display layer on a substantially opaque background layersuch that the inner surface faces the background layer and the outersurface faces away from the background layer.
 11. The method of claim10, wherein generating the image and operatively supporting the displaylayer occurs substantially simultaneously.
 12. The method of claim 11,further comprising introducing a blank between a mold and the backgroundlayer, pressing the mold against the blank and the background layer todeform the blank and create the plurality of raised and recessed areas,and curing the deformed blank to fix the deformed blank to thebackground layer.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein generating theimage includes casting the display layer.
 14. The method of claim 10,wherein generating the image includes thermoforming the display layer.15. The method of claim 10, wherein generating the image includesscanning the image to generate an electronic copy of the image, andcreating a mold from the electronic copy, and forming the plurality ofraised and recessed areas using the mold.
 16. The method of claim 10,further comprising providing a blank with the coloring agentsubstantially evenly dispersed in the blank, and wherein generating theimage includes pressing the mold against the blank to deform the blankand to create the plurality of raised and recessed areas, wherein themold moves the coloring agent within the second zone to the first zoneas the mold presses against the blank.
 17. The method of claim 10,wherein the display layer is at least partially polymeric.
 18. Themethod of claim 10, further comprising fixing the display layer to anarticle of footwear, the article of footwear including the backgroundlayer.
 19. An article of footwear comprising: an upper with a flexiblebackground layer that is substantially opaque; and a display layer thatis semi-transparent and flexible, the display layer including an innersurface facing the background layer, the display layer further includingan outer surface facing away from the background layer, the innersurface being substantially smooth, the outer surface including aplurality of raised areas and a plurality of recessed areas, the displaylayer having a first zone with a first thickness measured between theinner surface and one of the plurality of raised areas, the displaylayer also having a second zone with a second thickness measured betweenthe inner surface and one of the plurality of recessed areas, thedisplay layer also including a coloring agent, the coloring agent havinga higher concentration in the first zone as compared to the second zone,the display layer having increased light transmissivity through therecessed areas and decreased light transmissivity through the raisedareas such that a contrast of light transmissivity between the raisedand recessed areas generates an image.
 20. The article of footwear ofclaim 19, wherein the display layer is at least partially polymeric. 21.The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein the coloring agent is atinting agent.
 22. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein thecoloring agent includes a plurality of flecks of reflective material.23. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein the inner surfacedirectly abuts the background layer.
 24. The article of footwear ofclaim 23, wherein the background layer includes an outer surface againstwhich the inner surface of the display layer abuts, and wherein theouter surface of the background layer is substantially smooth.
 25. Thearticle of footwear of claim 19, wherein the display layer also includesa semi-transparent matrix material and the coloring agent is suspendedin the semi-transparent matrix material.